News

Polk Global Trade Symposium Hits Home

November 5, 2018 News

Striking a balance between importing products not readily available in the United States and exporting products we make is critical, but the new push to impose tariffs is upsetting the tightrope walk. Tariffs are the topic at the Polk Goes Global IV: International Trade Symposium, which will be held from 7:30 a.m. to noon November […]

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Frostproof’s goals: Resident engagement, community development

November 5, 2018 News, Success Stories

When a city turns 100, it’s time to celebrate, and Frostproof City Manager Lee Evett clearly is proud of the rockin’ party his city hosted on a summer weekend in 2018. From watermelon and pie-eating contests, bands, water events, a parade, and fireworks, residents clearly enjoyed a day full of fun. Missy Hadden, the library […]

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Highlighting Manufacturing at Industry Breakfast

October 24, 2018 News

Howard Drake thinks manufacturing is poised to see “explosive growth” in the near future, which is why an upcoming CFDC breakfast focused on the industry is important. The Central Florida Development Council’s Competitiveness & Advocacy Committee and the Polk County Manufacturing and Supply Chain Alliance are joining forces to offer those in the industry and […]

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Southeastern University Announces New Center headed by U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross

October 24, 2018 News, Success Stories

Solutions to problems facing our cities, states and national government are not created by sound bites, social media posts and character assassination, but by people who can engage in civil discourse and work together to move our country forward. That was the message Wednesday from Southeastern University President Kent Ingle as he announced SEU is […]

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The Story Companies Prosper with Best Management Practices

October 19, 2018 News, Success Stories

Kyle Story is a fourth-generation farmer and Polk County Farm Bureau member who knows adapting to changes in his industry, including protecting the environment, are critical to surviving and prospering. Now, for instance, The Story Companies mulches all of its trees when they no longer produce citrus. “Now, citrus is more like farming,” he told […]

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Sinfonia Will Honor Veterans, Families on a Day Dedicated to Them

October 19, 2018 News

Working off the resounding success of the first event, Southeastern University’s College of Arts & Media is planning a second Sinfonia on a most special day. Just nine months after Hollywood film composer Joseph DeBeasi premiered an original score at Sinfonia: Connecting the Arts & Community, the college will once again host DeBeasi as he […]

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Ag Tour Highlights Farmers/Ranchers who are Protecting the Environment

October 16, 2018 News

When a farm cares, everyone wins. That’s just one message the Florida Farm Bureau Federation hopes to impart with its CARES program (County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship), designed to “recognize progressive farmers and ranchers who have taken voluntary action to protect our environment. We encourage other farmers to follow in their footsteps to preserve […]

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Detroit Tigers’ local ties extend across Polk County

October 15, 2018 News, Success Stories

Sometimes, it’s not just about baseball. When you’ve spent 82 years with someone, you get to know them pretty well. And when the relationship revolves around trust and appreciation, outcomes can be impressive and powerful. Such is the case with the relationship between the city of Lakeland and the Detroit Tigers, who are ending their […]

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CenterState Bank and Peterson & Myers Win CFDC Awards: Dantzler Installed as Chair

October 10, 2018 News, Success Stories

Winter Haven, Florida – CenterState Bank and Peterson & Myers, P.A., exemplify the attributes George Harris exhibited during his tenure in Polk County. The two businesses won the Central Florida Development Council’s top awards at its Oct. 9 annual meeting at Nora Mayo Hall in Winter Haven. CenterState won in the Success in Large Business […]

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Residential Construction Fuels Polk City Growth

October 8, 2018 News, Success Stories

Polk City is a growing community, home to about 2,200 residents bordering Lakeland and Auburndale in North Central Polk County. Residential construction is booming, which is why that industry is one of the top three in the city, along with utilities and arts and entertainment, according to DataUSA.com. Housing expansion mean extra money on the […]

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